The University of Castilla-La Mancha, within the framework of the COLOURS Alliance, held a Collaborative Lab (CoLab) in Cuenca from 12 to 14 May to explore innovative responses to mental health challenges through healthy lifestyles.
The initiative brought together over 50 participants, including researchers, students, and social stakeholders from across Europe, to co-design sustainable and high-impact solutions in an international context. Around 40% of participants come from countries such as Ukraine, Croatia, Germany, France, and Sweden.
The CoLab was officially opened by UCLM Vice-Rector for Culture, Sports and Social Commitment César Sánchez, together with COLOURS Institutional Coordinator Arthur Mesas, Cuenca Councillor for Consumer Affairs and Public Health Cristina Boza, and Joaquín Cascón, Director of the Menéndez Pelayo International University campus in Cuenca.
Over three days, participants worked collaboratively at the Centre for Socio-Health Studies (CESS) to examine how the promotion of healthy habits can help reduce anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges affecting students, academic staff, and university professionals.
During the opening session, Vice-Rector César Sánchez highlighted that mental health is “a growing challenge both in society and within universities”. He referred to data from UCLM’s Psychological and Psychoeducational Guidance Service, which supports around 600 people every year, mainly women, with consultations largely related to anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
Arthur Mesas explained that the CoLabs are designed around regional challenges shared by COLOURS partner universities. “Medication alone has limited effectiveness. Healthy lifestyles are a key factor where we can act together and generate meaningful impact,” he said.
One of the defining features of the CoLab methodology is its diversity. Academia, public institutions, private organisations, and civil society work side by side to develop practical solutions.
